The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-09-19
HOME AGAIN.
Return of the Militia by Special Train
Yesterday.
They Gain Many Compliments in
Philadelphia.

AT p. m. yesterday, there was thrOng of
people at the Portland & Rochester station,
at the foot of Preble street. to witness the
return from Philadelphia of the military of
this city and Biddeford. The train, which
consisted of two parl0r cars and seven
coaches, was due in Portland at p. M, but
it was delayed by two hot boxes on the way,
and did not arrive until 400. The troops
from the northern and eastern parts of the
State took the Maine Central train at West
brook Junction for home, and the remaining
companies, one from Biddefold, the others
from Portland, with Chambers band, con-
tinued on their way to this city, The COM
panies, headed by the band, formed at the
depot, and marched up Preble street to the
familiar strains of "The Sweet Bye-and-
Bye" They paused in Market Square, and
the band played "Auld Lang Syne," after
which the soldiers marched to the armory
and disbanded. The Biddeford company
took the first train for home The soldiers
report good time. and it is said that the
Maine representation compared favorably
with any present, while Chambers band was
noticed and admired among the one hundred
and fifty that marched in Thursdays process
sion.
A reporter for the PRESS had chat with
Col. Horace =. Hill of Gov Bodwelps staff,
after his return. The Colonel said the Maine
regiment reflected great credit on the State.
On the day of the review, when they passed
the President, as he sat ON the reviewing
stand, their fine marching twas loudly ap-
plauded. Adjutant General Dalton of Mas
Nl.tt0n 10
composed as the Maine one was, of detailed
men from two different regiments, march
with such precision and elan. Not only were
the front ranks of the companies well aligned
but the rear ranks also. But two regiments
surpassed them, one the famed LIST Massachu-
sets, and the other New York regiment.
Gov. Sawyer of New Hampshire, spoke of
them in high terms.
The Colonel said their discipline through
out the trip was admirable. There was no
rowdyism, no intoxication. The simple fact
was that the men were all intelligent and
sensible, with great deal of self.respect.
On the steamer, going and coming, it was
quiet as church, and yet the men were un-
der no unusual restraint, and all had good
time. The captain of the steamer Massa-
chusetts said he never carried such well
behaved party. AtPhiladelphia, Capt. Paul,
the quartermaster, had provided excellent
quarters, and the commissariat was as good
as that enjoyed by the staff at the Continen-
tai Hotel.
Col. Hill says it was great sight to see
the streets through which the military pro-
cession passed The stands for spectators,
like the floor of theatre, stretched from
the curbstone over the sidewalk, back and
upward, as high as the houses, and they were
black with people When Hannibal Hamlin
came along to take his place ON the review
ing stand, accompanied by one of the execu-
tive committee, he was little late. AS he
stepped into the vacant space in the street,
in front of the stand, he was recognized by
the Maine men, and voice sung out 'Three
cheers for Hannibal Hamlin." New Hamp-
shire and Massachusetts answered the cry
with Maine. and three tremendous cheers
went up that evidently pleased the good old
Vice President, who wore the traditional
beaver and swallow-tail.
Gov. Bodwell remained in Philadelphia
and did not return with the command.